How long does it take to truly critique an individual on something they have done? If I’m given a duty, and I fulfill it when faced with opposition, do people look at the strengths I have and the obstacles I faced, or do they simply criticize my failures without realizing what was going on? I am referring to the negativity about our new Gov. Deval Patrick for reneging on campaign promises, or quite simply put, “missing it.”

Some of these snide comments come from people who seem to be missing the whole picture. In response to what individuals in the media are saying about the budget situation in the Governor’s office, they aren’t putting the blame where it should be, which is to former Gov. Mitt Romney.

It’s obvious that Gov. Romney lied; he stated that there was a surplus in the budget, and Gov. Patrick is now working diligently on figuring out how to do what he was planning. In quoting Gov. Patrick, “Change does not happen over night; it takes time.” You can’t expect his campaign promises to happen immediately. Personally, I am giving him a four-year grace period.

Recently, a colleague of mine said, “I’m not too thrilled with this new governor.” I responded, “How can you make a judgment based on the facts that superseded Gov. Patrick? Gov. Romney left Patrick in a heap of red tape, and as we all know, Gov. Romney was a stiff governor, very unresponsive and it’s obvious that his only reason for being governor was to gain publicity for his dream for the White House. Has anyone commended Gov. Patrick for having over 70 meetings across the state to meet with residents to listen to their ideas?

All the naysayers should give Gov. Patrick a longer grace period before whipping out the negative comments.

Originally published in The Standard-Times newspaper,  SouthCoastToday.com - Posted January 31, 2007 12:00 AM

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